
Hurricane Helene has left 52 people dead and millions without power as it swept through the southeastern US, causing widespread destruction. The storm, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, brought 140 mph winds and torrential rain as it moved through Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. Emergency crews are still working to reach stranded residents, as flooding and landslides have cut off many areas.
In Florida, the Big Bend region was hit hardest, with five deaths reported in Pinellas County after residents were forced to take refuge in their attics due to rising waters. The storm’s surge caused extensive flooding in Tampa’s Davis Islands, with homes and businesses submerged. Many residents were caught off guard by the storm’s intensity.
Georgia saw major flooding and power outages, with millions left without electricity as the storm moved through the state. Three firefighters were killed when trees fell on their vehicles while they responded to storm-related emergencies. Homes and businesses were flooded, and some areas were inaccessible due to the rising waters.
In North Carolina, landslides and flash flooding caused major damage. Asheville was almost completely underwater, with residents unable to communicate due to downed power lines. A dam overtopped, forcing evacuations, and a tornado injured four people in Nash County. Emergency crews were stretched thin as they worked to rescue stranded residents.
South Carolina was hit with massive power outages, and crews struggled to clear roads blocked by debris. Two firefighters lost their lives when trees struck their